Conduct A Search On The Web For

How do you conduct a literature search?

For research in psychology, compiling literature is most helpful to narrow the scope of the study, to better define operational definitions, and build on work previously done on that topic. Once you carefully, clearly and simply decide your topic/hypotheses, this can be done either by replicating an established study while making a few necessary changes, by conducting studies suggested for further research by fellow researchers in that area, or by simply improving a study which was not initially successful by addressing the limitations. All these studies, or literature, really mean to guide and help us as we design our own research, and are usually found in any APA associated database, a popular one being PSYCHinfo which any university should provide access to. However if your research is unusual or original, follow through with references...from helpful texts, websites, whatever useful info you do come across usually can link you to more valid literature. Keep it recent though, and preferably local. International studies can be iffy when it comes to relevance, unless it works with your topic. Once you compile a  to-the-point list, make sure to critique each study, theory, or hypothesis, making sure to show its relevance and implications for your own research. (lit review) Keep notes of whatever literature you come across so you can always find it in case you lose it or need it again later, and also for use in your discussion. The literature you settle on will be the same lit you use throughout your study to prove/support or provide alternatives to your own findings. So choose wisely.